Paddleboarding

Standup Paddleboarding around Vancouver IslandPaddle boarding is becoming one of the fastest growing outdoor water activities in the world and there is no more beautiful place to do it than on Vancouver Island. Various paddle boarding companies are popping up around the island during the past couple years. Ucluelet, Tofino, Victoria, and Nanaimo are some of the more popular places to go. You can however, go and paddle anywhere that is accessible and find a rewarding activity with a friend or even just out in nature yourself.

If carrying a large board around on your holiday does not interest you, you can rent boards or try carrying an inflatable SUP. With a battery powered pump you can have a great inflated board in just a few minutes. The boards inflate at high pressure, so it is very similar to cruising on a fiberglass board.

Most popular ways to SUP:

Calm WaterMost of these boards tend to be longer and wider and are best for those just starting out. There are many beach access points in calm water areas around Vancouver Island.

SurfingThis is not for a beginner; however surfing on a SUP is easier than surfing on a small board as long as you start off on small waves. You can really go anywhere there are sizable waves. During the winter time you can get larger waves in protected areas, however summer is the most popular time to go and most people surf on the west coast of Vancouver Island. You can paddle surf any beaches where surfers hang out.

Paddle surfing is a physical workout especially when just starting out so make sure you are in good physical shape!